Industrial IoT and what is its role in Industry 4.0
Industry 4.0 is a term that describes the fourth industrial revolution, which indicates rapid technological progress and the accelerated development of industries. The main trends in Industry 4.0 are automation, cloud computing, artificial intelligence applications, data analytics and the Internet of Things.
Nevertheless, industrial IoT as a subcategory of the Internet of Things has an important role to play in the successful digital transformation of industries.
Common Focal Points of IIoT and Industry 4.0
Both Industrial IoT and Industry 4.0 focus on introducing automation and improving the efficiency of industrial operations. This would not be possible without the use of advanced technological solutions, which are based on the promise of integrated internet connectivity and fast and wireless systems.
While process automation is one of the prime goals for both IIoT and Industry 4.0, the human factor is imperative for this to happen. For now, we can only efficiently automate existing operations, making them more efficient and faster.
In order to develop new processes, people with their creativity, knowledge, and experience are needed. Companies will achieve profits far greater than their initial investment by making full use of the acquired data and automation.
Differences between Industrial IoT and Industry 4.0
While the Industrial Internet of Things and the Fourth Industrial Revolution complement each other in many ways, there are some important differences that should be mentioned.
Scope
The IIoT typically refers to equipment used for specific industrial purposes. Industry 4.0 is a wider concept, putting the Industrial IoT in the broader context of analysis to maintain sustainability and improve operational efficiency.
The Action
Industry 4.0 is not about a specific technology solution, it is rather a technology-driven concept, presenting a long-term vision of the digital transformation of industries driven by several major solutions such as IIoT. Industrial IoT is most often defined as investment in technology and equipment in solutions such as connected devices, data transmitters, wireless solutions, etc.
Industrial IoT relies heavily on the development of other technologically advanced solutions, such as, for example, 5G wireless capacity, which is used to transfer data collected by IoT products.
Importantly, both IIoT and Industry 4.0 are intended to complement each other in many ways and share the common goal of streamlining industrial operations and increasing efficiency through automation, high-tech equipment, and more.
How does the Industrial Internet of Things enable the fourth industrial revolution?
IIoT is one of the breakthroughs that set Industry 4.0 apart from previous industrial revolutions. Connected devices and sensors linked to a central server take automation to a new level. This opens up exciting opportunities for industries such as connected supply chains, automated energy maintenance, smart factories, and more.
There is always room for process improvement because artificial intelligence in IIoT uses the collected data, which, once processed and analyzed, provides valuable information about the effectiveness of activities. This is one way the Industrial Internet of Things enables the fourth industrial revolution.
Artificial intelligence enables the monitoring and processing of data collected by the IIoT, which is the basis of what is indicated by the philosophy of Industry 4.0. Both technologies complement each other as they lead industries through digital transformation.
Companies from many industries have already invested in Industrial IoT and started adopting commitments to Industry 4.0. The sooner companies start these processes, the better business results they can expect, especially when compared to competitors in the market that do not invest in technological advancement.
A great way to make sure that IIoT concepts are right for your business is to look at case studies that show how other companies have taken advantage of high-tech solutions. At Order Group, we had the privilege of working on an IoT system for monitoring and managing an airport lighting system called Monster.
